Spectral, Thermal and Structural Studies of Poly[μ-acetato(4-aminobenzoato)lead(II) monohydrate]: A Polymeric Hydrated Lead(II) Complex with Acetate Bridges

Single crystals of a lead(II) complex of 4-aminobenzoic acid, [Pb(Paba)(CH₃COO)]·H₂O (PabaH = 4-aminobenzoic acid) were successfully grown by gel diffusion technique using sodium metasilicate. The grown crystals were characterized by elemental analysis, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV–Vis spectroscopic techniques. The crystalline nature of the grown complex was confirmed by the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. FT-IR spectral studies were carried out to identify the functional groups. Thermal properties of the compound were studied using thermogravimetric analysis. The structure of the complex was elucidated by single crystal XRD studies. The title compound crystallizes in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P2₁/c and is having a polymeric structure. The polymeric array is constructed by the oxygen atom of acetate group and nitrogen atom of the aminobenzoate group.     

Production of an antimicrobial compound by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus subtilis</Emphasis> LS 1–2 using a citrus-processing byproduct

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Bacillus subtilis LS 1–2 grown on citrus juice waste (CJW). Citrus-juice waste (CJW) was obtained from the residue of squeezed citrus fruits. To use CJW as a raw material for the growth of B. sutilitis, a citrus-juice medium (CJM) was prepared by treating CJW with Ca(OH)₂. No antimicrobial activity was observed either in the culture broth of Luria Broth medium or in CJM itself. The maximum antimicrobial activity was obtained after 24 hr of cultivation (culture) of Bacillus sutilitis LS 1–2 in CJM. The culture supernatant exhibited inhibitory activity against E. coli O-157 (140 AU/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (180 AU/mL), and Candida albicans (260 AU/mL), respectively. Bacillus subtilus LS 1–2 also produced protease (3,600 U/ml) and amylase (290 U/ml) in CJM. Antimicrobial activity of the culture broth was stable for 1 hr at 100 °C, pH 2–10, and bile acid (concentration needs, 1 mM TDOC and 0.27 mM DOCmM), respectively. These results indicate the potential of CJW as a novel bioresource and the scope of probiotic applications of Bacillus subtilis LS 1–2 in various industrial applications.     

Synthesis and characterization of highly photoresponsive fullerenyl dyads with a close chromophore antenna-C(60) contact and effective photodynamic potential

We report the synthesis of a new class of photoresponsive C(60)-DCE-diphenylaminofluorene nanostructures and their intramolecular photoinduced energy and electron transfer phenomena. Structural modification was made by chemical conversion of the keto group in C(60)(>DPAF-C(n)) to a stronger electron-withdrawing 1,1-dicyanoethylenyl (DCE) unit leading to C(60)(>CPAF-C(n)) with an increased electronic polarization of the molecule. The modification also led to a large bathochromic shift of the major band in visible spectrum giving measureable absorption up to 600 nm and extended the photoresponsive capability of C(60)-DCE-DPAF nanostructures to longer red wavelengths than C(60)(>DPAF-C(n)). Accordingly, C(60)(>CPAF-C(n)) may allow 2γ-PDT using a light wavelength of 1000-1200 nm for enhanced tissue penetration depth. Production efficiency of singlet oxygen by closely related C(60)(>DPAF-C(2) (M)) was found to be comparable with that of tetraphenylporphyrin photosensitizer. Remarkably, the (1)O(2) quantum yield of C(60)(>CPAF-C(2) (M)) was found to be nearly 6-fold higher than that of C(60)(>DPAF-C(2) (M)), demonstrating the large light-harvesting enhancement of the CPAF-C(2) (M) moiety and leading to more efficient triplet state generation of the C(60)> cage moiety. This led to highly effective killing of HeLa cells by C(60)(>CPAF-C(2) (M)) via photodynamic therapy (200 J cm(-2) white light). We interpret the phenomena in terms of the contributions by the extended π-conjugation and stronger electron-withdrawing capability associated with the 1,1-dicyanoethylenyl group compared to that of the keto group.     

Increased lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes in blood stored in polyvinyl chloride blood storage bags plasticized with di-[2-ethyl hexyl] phthalate and effect of antioxidants

We report two cases of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) after allogenic bone marrow transplantation which were conditioned with regimens including antithymocyte globulin (ATG). The first case was a 31 year-old man which severe aplastic anemia who was transplanted from HLA-matched unrelated donor conditioned with total lymphoid irradiation (TLI)/ cyclophosphamide/ATG and prophylactic administration of ganciclovir Grade I acute GVHD improved in response to cyclosporine (CsA). LPD as a polyclonal epipharyngeal mass developed at day +53 and spontaneously regressed along with the withdrawal of CsA. Second case was a 11 year-old boy with acute myelomonocytic leukemia (FAB:M4E). He was transplanted from HLA B locus mismatched mother conditioned with total body irradiation (TBI)/busulfan/L-PAM/ATG. He showed grade IV acute GVHD, which was controlled by steroids and FK-506. LPD as a monoclonal intestinal lymphoma was diagnosed at day +82, and he was unsuccessfully treated with ganciclovir, acyclovir, chemotherapy and transfusions of EBV-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes in addition to discontinuation of immunosuppressants, and died at day +18 due to sepsis and multiple cerebral infarction. Early detection and introduction of appropriate treatment for post bone marrow transplantation LPD is necessary.     

Path loss model for in-body communication in homogeneous human muscle tissue

Proposed is the first in-body path loss model in homogeneous human muscle tissue at 2.4 GHz for implants in the human body. This model is valid for insulated dipole antennas up to a distance of 8 cm. Excellent agreement is obtained between measurements, simulations and the models. The path loss model can be used to design an in-body communication system.     

Sex hormones and metabolism of glycosaminoglycans. I. Effect of orchidectomy and administration of testosterone in rabbits

The effect of orchidectomy in male rabbits and administration of testosterone to orchidectomized animals on the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) has been studied. The response of the different GAG fractions in the aorta varies with the nature of the GAG, and in some cases is different in different segments of the aorta. Orchidectomy produced an increase in hyaluronic acid fraction, decrease in heparin sulphate fraction, and no response in the chondroitin sulphate A fraction in the aortic arch, thoracic aorta, and abdominal aorta. Chondroitin sulphate C and chondroitin sulphate B fractions decreased only in the abdominal aorta and were not significantly altered in the other two segments, while heparin fraction decreased only in the thoracic aorta and was not affected in the other segments. Administration of testosterone to the orchidectomized animals counteracted these changes in the aortic GAG fractures. The enzymes concerned with the synthesis of precursors of GAG--L-glutamine:D-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase, UDPG dehydrogenase, and UDPG pyrophosphorylase-- all decreased in the orchidectomized animals; testosterone administration increased their activity in the orchidectomized animals. Enzymes concerned with degradation of GAG--beta-glucuronidase, beta-hexosaminidase, aryl sulphatase, cathepsin, and hyaluronidase--increased in the orchidectomized and decreased on administration of testosterone. Concentration of PAPS and activity of sulphate-activating system and sulphotransferase also decreased in the orchidectomized animals, and testosterone administration tended to restore this decrease to normal levels.     

Effect of hydrochloric acid treatment of palm kernel for dehulling on the nutritional quality of kernel protein

The effect of hydrochloric acid treatment for the dehulling of palm kernel on the nutritional quality of its protein was studied and compared with that of untreated kernel protein and casein. Rats fed a treated defatted kernel protein diet had slightly lower gains in body weight (59·5 g) when compared to those fed a casein diet (64·2 g), while the gains in body weight in the animals fed untreated kernel protein diet were considerably lower (42·5 g). The PER of the treated protein was 2·27 (95% of that of casein) while that of the untreated protein was lower; only 1·63. In the case of the treated protein diet, 80% of food nitrogen was absorbed compared to 94% for casein and 65% for untreated protein, indicating improvement in protein digestibility with HCl treatment. The essential amino acid content of the treated kernel protein was comparable to egg protein. Available lysine content was higher in the treated sample than that of the untreated sample. © 1998 SCI.